School bus driver praised after Dumbarton crash involving pupils

The McColls coach lies on it's side in a verge after crashing with pupils from Our Lady and St Patrick's High in Dumbarton on board

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The driver of a school bus involved in a horror crash last week has been praised for saving the lives of the children caught up in the incident.

The McColls coach ended up in an embankment after the collision at 8.40am with a Renault Clio last Wednesday as it transported pupils from Balloch and Old Bonhill to Our Lady and St Patrick's High in Dumbarton.

Many parents have been quick to praise the driver involved for his part in making sure the incident wasn't more serious - as pupils walked away with minor injuries including cuts and bruises.

And McColls director Liam McColl this week said: "We are very proud how our driver handled the accident and we have received much praise from parents and the school."

The 27-year-old male driver of the black Renault Clio was airlifted to hospital in a serious condition and it is understood he later underwent surgery.

Ambulances and patient transport buses took 19 children and one woman from the bus to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. Another two children were taken by relatives.

The road remained closed between Dalreoch Station and the slip road to the A82 until Thursday morning as crash scene investigators examined the scene and the vehicles were recovered.

OLSP headteacher Christopher Smith praised the bravery of those involved and thanked emergency services for their swift response.

He said: “We have a very strong community and we have relied upon them in the last week.

“I want to thank everyone for the help and support we received on Wednesday and in the days that followed, including the emergency services, the council, parents and carers, pupils and our staff.

“Our pastoral care team and partner agencies are supporting pupils who were affected and that will continue for as long as they need it.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the driver of the other vehicle involved in this accident and his family.”

The pupils of Our Lady and St Patrick’s High were praised for their bravery following the crash.

The school’s official Twitter page said: “A huge thank you to all for support today. Everyone has been incredible and our young people are incredible. Thank you.”

A special mass was held on Thursday as pupils returned to classes following the ordeal and Monsignor John Hughes offered one-to-one support to those affected afterwards.

Sergeant Paul MacPherson of the road policing department at Dumbarton said: “Enquiries are still ongoing into the cause of the crash and we are keen to hear from anyone who either witnessed the crash or indeed anyone who was travelling on Renton Road at the time.”